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Sunday, January 1, 2017

Things I'm excited about in the New Year? Aside from the blatantly necessary disposal of this God-awful mess known as 2016, here's what I'm looking forward to:

1. Degree Dry Spray Deodorant

Tell me I'm settling for mundane things in the New Year, if you like. This stuff is a magical new substance making my armpits aromatic bundles of soops-dry happiness. Pure bliss.

2. Five Parks Yoga
I've been doing these 45 minute- hour long yoga sessions daily for a few weeks and I have been in sweaty-splits-side angle Heaven. I'm thrilled to make yoga a regular practice in my always busy life. Blue Sky Bonus Goals: Crow Pose and Headstands.

3. Betty Crocker Casseroles

This likely cancels out the dry-deodorant-laden yoga. But, I have harkened back to my Carolina roots lately with these delectable comfort foods. I find the casserole cuisine to be one of both nostalgia and exquisite deliciousness. And go figure? The culprit? Betty Crocker, herself. The website is jam packed with yummy goodness. I will attempt to replace the cream-o soups and high sodium contents with healthy alternatives and keep you in on the recipes every step of the way.

I got one of my Christmas presents early this year: The BASICS notebook. Outwardly, it seems to be smilar to the official Bullet Journal except with pre-installed planner pages. I have already implemented a lot of color-coordinated calendars into this thing and am looking forward to filling it up with more list-y, doodly, planner-y goodness.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

I am a firm believer in the idea that health should be free. This is not to say we shouldn't invest in it, nor that the gym-going, shake-drinking, Whole-Food-eating guru's of the world are wrong. Your health should be whatever you need and want it to be. Find what works for you!

After a whirlwind decade (and more) of crash diets, gym memberships and endless self-loathing, I've found a few things that work for me in the land of "Body Temple-tude."

Confession: I adore workout videos. And by "adore," I mean, "prefer to treadmill monotony."

Truth be told, I will almost always rather be seated under a plush throw on a rainy day than perform burpees and planks. But, when I miss a good workout during the day, I do get really cranky with myself. I have traversed the vast scope of Youtube for quality free workouts and am constantly finding new ones. I thought, "Why hog this greatness?" So, let the Workout Wednesdays commence! Each week, I will share with you a roundup of my workouts for the week. Watch them. Do them. Share your sweat. Share your favorites with me!

1. 30 Minute Fusion Workout: This was my first Kit Rich workout and she did not disappoint. Just when I think I've done every workout move there is, then she comes and adds a towel to the mix! Amazing.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

New thing I'm into? Finding recipes on actual product websites. It's like the virtual "I got the recipe from the back of the box" way of doing things! Who'da thought?

And Betty Crocker has been my gal for the past week. From tonight's Au Gratin Chicken Bake to tomorrow's Mexican Manicotti, already prepped and in the fridge, I am all about some basic comfort food during this holiday season.

Cake mix cookies are no exception.

For the somewhat lazy/ fairly instinct-less cook like yours truly, this is the answer to your (seeming) culinary shortcomings. These were even taste-tested and loved by a close friend and chef! So, make this your next party trick. Happy Baking!

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Well, it's official. I have an addiction to Dollar Tree. It's palpable. It's outrageous. It's a wonder of wonders.

Can you believe I've been putting up my own Christmas Tree for about seven years and never invested in a tree skirt? Who am I? This is uncivilized behavior.

2016 may be the worst year known to man but I will not let it go down without a TREE SKIRT!

After my cheap self refused the double digits of Cyber-Monday-tree-skirt-browsing, I succumbed to the Almighty Tree of Dollar for a felt skirt that was.... fine. At best. Still better than the oddly wrapped plush throws of yesteryear.

One stop to the Dollar Spot at Target and voila! A sensible tree skirt makeover was born!

I encourage you to go through whatever little crafty trinkets you have. I found some rhinestones, pearl appliques, puffy paint, glitter string, jingle bells. Target had pom-poms and trim, each for a buck. And the hot glue gun is your friend. Go to town. Let the creativity take over.

And BAM. Your Christmas tree looks a little fancier and you feel a little jollier.